be_v recommend_v by_o it_o in_o what_o it_o reveal_v beyond_o it_o 1._o the_o first_o thing_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o even_o as_o natural_a religion_n conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o world_n peace_n that_o it_o be_v natural_a substantial_a and_o not_o ceremonial_a so_o do_v it_o also_o recommend_v christian_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o consist_v in_o ceremony_n that_o it_o have_v no_o more_o in_o number_n than_o there_o be_v find_v in_o innocency_n there_o be_v the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n the_o not_o eat_v of_o which_o be_v a_o symbol_n of_o universal_a obedience_n there_o be_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n a_o sacrament_n seal_v the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n 9_o gen_n 2._o 9_o there_o be_v the_o seven_o day_n sabbath_n a_o day_n of_o solemn_a converse_n with_o god_n and_o meditation_n of_o his_o work_n found_v upon_o his_o rest_n from_o creation_n and_o a_o pledge_n of_o everlasting_a rest_n with_o god_n 3._o 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have_v it_o so_o adorn_v or_o recommend_v or_o to_o vulgar_a unlearned_a and_o irrational_a mind_n who_o must_v be_v catch_v with_o show_n and_o pompous_a appearance_n and_o keep_v in_o amuse_n that_o they_o may_v be_v somewhat_o intent_n in_o religious_a excercise_n but_o with_o this_o disadvantage_n that_o they_o seldom_o pierce_v further_o than_o this_o surface_n or_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o religion_n itself_o and_o when_o at_o any_o time_n these_o thing_n happen_v to_o be_v expose_v they_o become_v the_o scorn_n and_o hate_v of_o such_o person_n so_o that_o they_o deal_v rude_o with_o they_o but_o now_o substantial_a massive_a religion_n yield_v not_o to_o such_o sort_n of_o attack_n but_o like_o rock_n resist_v support_v with_o its_o own_o substance_n bear_v upon_o its_o own_o truth_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v as_o he_o say_v to_o have_v 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civil_a thing_n the_o gravity_n and_o decency_n of_o religious_a action_n according_a to_o all_o law_n of_o humane_a prudence_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o country_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v object_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o ceremony_n the_o state_n of_o religion_n among_o the_o jew_n involve_v and_o wrap_v up_o in_o so_o much_o ceremony_n it_o may_v be_v answer_v to_o he_o 1._o there_o be_v so_o great_a and_o presential_a a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n concern_v they_o among_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v only_o bind_v to_o they_o under_o that_o immediate_a theocraty_n exercise_v over_o they_o that_o as_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a so_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v they_o up_o god_n as_o the_o author_n continual_o and_o frequent_o appear_v to_o give_v value_n to_o they_o by_o his_o own_o particular_a command_n he_o be_v able_a to_o bless_v and_o empower_v the_o mean_a rite_n to_o
rome_n and_o the_o reform_a church_n although_o i_o have_v a_o just_a value_n for_o all_o those_o renown_a labour_n of_o the_o great_a light_n god_n have_v raise_v up_o in_o the_o protestancy_n a_o very_a rational_a and_o christian_a entertainment_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o reader_n yet_o i_o must_v profess_v the_o unshaken_a assurance_n i_o centre_n upon_o in_o all_o those_o controversy_n be_v a_o short_a conclusion_n of_o the_o matter_n that_o romish_a religion_n not_o only_o be_v not_o but_o can_v be_v true_a it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v of_o god_n if_o scripture_n and_o our_o faculty_n be_v true_a if_o natural_a religion_n or_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o ready_a and_o sure_a antidote_n against_o popery_n to_o all_o that_o be_v equal_o concern_v to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n catholic_n religion_n false_o so_o call_v popish_a religion_n or_o protestant_a religion_n though_o they_o have_v not_o opportunity_n to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o all_o the_o learning_n so_o plentiful_a so_o valuable_a at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o decision_n between_o they_o 2._o that_o great_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n hear_v oh_o israel_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n be_v one_o jehovah_n and_o thou_o shall_v love_v 5._o deut._n 6._o 4_o 5._o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o soul_n with_o all_o thy_o mind_n with_o all_o thy_o might_n and_o strength_n and_o that_o great_a principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n if_o any_o man_n love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n let_v 22._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 22._o he_o be_v anathema_n maranatha_n these_o two_o join_v together_o assure_v i_o beyond_o doubt_n our_o mediator_n upon_o who_o our_o love_n trust_v service_n be_v to_o rest_v and_o that_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n as_o be_v heaven_n from_o earth_n can_v be_v but_o the_o one_o god_n with_o the_o father_n and_o so_o i_o be_o resolve_v in_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n and_o further_o if_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n and_o his_o offer_v up_o the_o humanity_n unite_v to_o he_o a_o sacrifice_n i_o know_v it_o must_v be_v of_o infinite_a value_n and_o not_o a_o martyrdom_n not_o a_o example_n only_o 3._o by_o natural_a and_o christian_a principle_n unite_v i_o be_o convince_v the_o great_a foundation_n on_o which_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o arminian_n and_o calvinist_n as_o we_o use_v to_o express_v they_o rest_n must_v have_v great_a truth_n on_o both_o side_n but_o they_o be_v relate_v to_o those_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o be_v as_o a_o great_a depth_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v they_o out_o to_o perfection_n for_o how_o can_v finite_a wade_v in_o infinite_a without_o be_v swallow_v by_o it_o we_o need_v not_o therefore_o stay_v till_o these_o two_o thing_n can_v be_v reconcile_v in_o our_o judgement_n the_o infinite_a sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o almighty_a over_o every_o particular_a immortal_a spirit_n that_o he_o have_v make_v so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v dispose_v of_o or_o dispose_v itself_o without_o the_o counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o that_o no_o one_o be_v prejudge_v by_o any_o determination_n of_o god_n in_o the_o true_a liberty_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n much_o less_o determine_v to_o sin_n and_o misery_n upon_o it_o by_o any_o overrule_a power_n we_o may_v safe_o with_o respect_n to_o both_o side_n be_v profound_o abase_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o incomprehensible_a sovereignty_n over_o we_o in_o a_o self-condemnation_n wherein_o soever_o we_o find_v ourselves_o degenerate_a and_o fall_v into_o sin_n as_o know_v our_o destruction_n of_o ourselves_o nor_o need_v we_o stay_v till_o supreme_a grace_n and_o our_o own_o freewill_n be_v reconcile_v in_o dispute_n we_o may_v safe_o on_o both_o side_n make_v our_o humble_a and_o most_o lowly_a appeal_n to_o he_o that_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v we_o must_v do_v so_o and_o be_v under_o the_o same_o security_n and_o obligation_n in_o stir_v up_o our_o utmost_a 32._o phil._n 2._o 13._o ezek._n 18._o 32._o power_n in_o turn_v ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o all_o beyond_o 12._o phil._n 2._o 12._o these_o two_o conclusion_n be_v but_o speculation_n in_o which_o we_o may_v employ_v and_o entertain_v ourselves_o in_o consider_v infinite_a wisdom_n and_o glory_n and_o search_v as_o near_o as_o we_o dare_v approve_v its_o holy_a and_o gracious_a way_n but_o need_v not_o be_v angry_a we_o can_v agree_v in_o thing_n out_o of_o our_o depth_n so_o as_o to_o be_v certain_a 4._o in_o all_o the_o dispute_n concern_v form_n of_o church-government_n modes_n of_o worship_n we_o have_v thus_o much_o of_o resolution_n from_o the_o consent_n of_o christian_a with_o natural_a religion_n whatever_o be_v most_o substantial_o good_a be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o agreement_n and_o union_n and_o other_o thing_n doubtful_a allow_v to_o particular_a reason_n and_o choice_n with_o mutual_a toleration_n and_o charity_n as_o be_v further_a to_o be_v show_v we_o under_o the_o next_o head_n of_o discourse_n have_v now_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o natural_a religion_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a before_o i_o quite_o leave_v it_o beside_o the_o survey_n i_o have_v take_v of_o it_o to_o add_v these_o character_n concern_v it_o that_o it_o may_v not_o possible_o be_v mistake_v 1._o it_o be_v that_o which_o depend_v upon_o nothing_o particular_a but_o must_v be_v the_o same_o to_o all_o nation_n and_o time_n it_o be_v all_o essence_n and_o have_v no_o accident_n or_o circumstance_n as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o pray_v be_v natural_a religion_n that_o be_v to_o lift_v up_o desire_v to_o god_n with_o humility_n and_o hope_n this_o be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o same_o without_o any_o variation_n to_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n now_o whatever_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o pertain_v to_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o every_o where_o be_v not_o natural_a religion_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o nation_n of_o a_o god_n to_o all_o the_o world_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o justice_n sobriety_n throughout_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o notion_n of_o sin_n or_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o it_o of_o judgement_n to_o come_v as_o they_o be_v natural_a till_o you_o come_v to_o essence_n you_o come_v not_o to_o natural_a religion_n 2._o it_o be_v that_o which_o can_v be_v demur_v to_o but_o with_o the_o failure_n of_o all_o sober_a reason_n nor_o indeed_o without_o a_o consciousness_n of_o it_o while_o deny_v i_o be_o full_o assure_v no_o man_n can_v deny_v a_o god_n a_o distinction_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n a_o future_a state_n without_o a_o strong_a recoil_n of_o the_o natural_a faculty_n return_v as_o by_o a_o intellectual_a moral_a elastic_a force_n 3._o it_o be_v that_o whereof_o if_o any_o of_o the_o principle_n be_v take_v away_o grand_a inconvenience_n and_o absurdity_n will_v follow_v like_o take_v away_o light_a air_n or_o water_n out_o of_o the_o natural_a world_n what_o a_o infinite_a necessity_n be_v there_o of_o god_n of_o prayer_n to_o he_o of_o praise_n of_o he_o of_o his_o pardoning-mercy_n since_o sin_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v take_v away_o these_o and_o universal_a nature_n fly_v in_o piece_n run_v every_o way_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o vacuum_n as_o the_o want_n of_o any_o these_o principle_n immediate_o make_v this_o be_v natural_a religion_n and_o nothing_o else_o be_v natural_a religion_n but_o this_o have_v discourse_v what_o a_o foundation_n of_o universal_a peace_n christian_a religion_n have_v lay_v in_o not_o only_o assume_v to_o but_o unite_n with_o itself_o natural_a religion_n i_o shall_v come_v now_o to_o present_a as_o in_o perspective_n christian_a religion_n itself_o and_o show_v the_o admirable_a contrivance_n for_o unity_n peace_n and_o love_n it_o have_v find_v out_o and_o most_o earnest_o press_v on_o all_o its_o disciple_n so_o infinite_o wise_a reasonable_a and_o good_a so_o efficacious_o insinuate_v so_o strong_o argue_v and_o enforce_v so_o awful_o command_v so_o to_o the_o life_n the_o very_a divine_a life_n of_o it_o even_o hypostatize_v in_o our_o lord_n that_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o inexpiable_a shame_n and_o guilt_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o it_o be_v so_o unlike_o the_o divine_a philosophy_n the_o law_n the_o grand_a exemplar_n of_o it_o that_o i_o may_v pursue_v this_o intention_n with_o great_a advantage_n i_o shall_v propose_v under_o several_a head_n how_o this_o design_n be_v lay_v by_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o our_o saviour_n much_o different_a from_o what_o be_v ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o offer_v itself_o to_o humane_a imagination_n that_o be_v unity_n in_o uniformity_n without_o which_o as_o
society_n of_o mankind_n it_o declare_v itself_o a_o religion_n that_o love_v they_o and_z as_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o testify_v the_o divine_a approbation_n of_o and_o the_o near_a resemblance_n between_o those_o civil_a and_o political_a union_n one_o with_o another_o found_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o that_o religious_a union_n which_o by_o the_o very_a same_o law_n of_o nature_n follow_v they_o as_o so_o unite_v christianity_n keep_v to_o the_o very_a same_o tenor_n of_o union_n it_o find_v any_o where_o and_o twine_v as_o close_v about_o the_o city_n neighbourhood_n and_o family_n make_v ready_a to_o its_o hand_n by_o civil_a association_n as_o it_o can_v not_o call_v man_n out_o to_o wilderness_n mountain_n or_o wood_n to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v abide_v in_o desert_n and_o solitude_n when_o persecution_n do_v not_o drive_v and_o force_v they_o out_o but_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v denominate_v from_o those_o city_n and_o region_n where_o they_o be_v plant_v as_o the_o church_n of_o epheâ—â—â—â—_n 2._o 2_o cor_fw-la 9_o 2._o coriâ—th_n judaea_n galatia_n macedonia_n etc._n etc._n yea_o the_o christiâ—â—_n of_o achaia_n be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n achaia_n as_o if_o christianity_n be_v there_o become_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o country_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v call_v those_o very_a city_n where_o they_o be_v seat_v 1â—_n rev._n 1._o 1â—_n wherein_o it_o be_v observable_a the_o church_n of_o city_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o or_o in_o each_o city_n as_o one_o though_o it_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n certain_a they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o more_o congregation_n for_o their_o numerousness_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o call_v one_o because_o the_o city_n be_v one_o but_o the_o region_n not_o be_v so_o unite_v in_o government_n neighbourhood_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o civil_a union_n the_o distribution_n of_o church_n easy_o follow_v the_o distinction_n easy_o supposable_a in_o their_o civil_a state_n in_o region_n therefore_o we_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o centre_n of_o union_n not_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o distance_n too_o great_a for_o coagmentation_n into_o one_o nor_o in_o the_o law_n and_o government_n at_o least_o with_o any_o respect_n of_o order_n towards_o religion_n they_o be_v therefore_o call_v church_n and_o not_o one_o church_n as_o they_o be_v without_o any_o exception_n in_o city_n even_o where_o the_o apostle_n name_v particular_a church_n in_o the_o house_n within_o those_o city_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o city_n itself_o they_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o one_o church_n of_o that_o city_n now_o all_o this_o speak_v the_o care_n christian_n religion_n use_v not_o to_o disturb_v but_o to_o conform_v to_o civil_a society_n and_o therefore_o especial_o to_o national_a the_o chief_a of_o those_o society_n and_o so_o i_o close_o this_o three_o argument_n for_o national_a religion_n derive_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o christian_a religion_n national_a religion_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o consideration_n in_o respect_n argum._n 4_o to_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o the_o wrath_n and_o fury_n of_o god_n upon_o those_o nation_n that_o know_v he_o not_o that_o call_v not_o on_o his_o name_n be_v to_o be_v take_v at_o the_o full_a extent_n and_o duration_n in_o this_o world_n in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o so_o the_o happiness_n of_o nation_n who_o have_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o god_n that_o have_v the_o everlasting_a arm_n under_o and_o about_o they_o spread_v itself_o not_o only_o upon_o time_n but_o upon_o eternity_n it_o be_v indeed_o general_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o nation_n be_v only_o judge_v as_o nation_n in_o this_o world_n yet_o if_o we_o close_o examine_v we_o shall_v find_v both_o in_o scripture_n and_o reason_n very_o valuable_a ground_n to_o believe_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v not_o only_o pass_v upon_o person_n single_a but_o in_o their_o community_n as_o they_o be_v lock_v in_o with_o their_o association_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o very_a period_n of_o time_n and_o the_o generation_n into_o which_o the_o community_n and_o association_n have_v be_v distribute_v so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o people_n of_o every_o nation_n come_v into_o judgement_n together_o but_o the_o people_n of_o every_o generation_n of_o this_o or_o that_o nation_n come_v distinct_o into_o judgement_n together_o beside_o those_o peculiarity_n of_o sin_n or_o grace_n wherein_o every_o man_n be_v individual_a to_o himself_o and_o no_o stranger_n intermeddle_v but_o he_o prove_v and_o enjoy_v his_o own_o work_n alone_o or_o bear_v his_o own_o burden_n there_o be_v also_o man_n interwoven_a action_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a wherein_o the_o community_n knot_n of_o society_n neighbourhood_n concurrence_n with_o the_o nation_n conformity_n with_o the_o age_n and_o generation_n shall_v be_v exact_o compare_v and_o weigh_v in_o the_o eternal_a judgement_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_a in_o the_o scripture_n than_o thus_o to_o represent_v the_o carriage_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n the_o nation_n whole_a as_o nation_n that_o forget_v god_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o hell_n and_o egypt_n and_o 12._o ezek._n 32._o 18_o etc._n etc._n rom_n 2_o 12._o all_o its_o company_n all_o its_o host_n lie_v together_o the_o other_o nation_n with_o their_o multitude_n every_o one_o in_o their_o proper_a sort_n the_o uncircumcision_n and_o those_o without_o law_n be_v judge_v by_o themselves_o the_o circumcision_n and_o those_o under_o the_o law_n by_o themselves_o distinct_o our_o saviour_n speak_v oâ—_n sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n the_o man_n of_o nineveh_n tyre_n aend_v sidon_n chorazin_n bethsaida_n and_o capernaum_n come_v into_o judgement_n in_o that_o union_n in_o that_o community_n wherein_o they_o be_v embody_v here_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o man_n of_o that_o generation_n as_o they_o be_v that_o generation_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a that_o the_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v with_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o distinction_n of_o nation_n because_o beside_o what_o other_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v the_o union_n of_o all_o bless_a person_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o of_o happy_a spirit_n one_o to_o another_o be_v so_o infinite_o great_a as_o to_o swallow_v up_o all_o distinction_n so_o that_o there_o be_v neither_o jew_n nor_o gentile_a scythian_n nor_o barbarian_a but_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o and_o so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v any_o such_o national_a distinction_n our_o lord_n be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n in_o who_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v the_o bosom_n of_o abraham_n the_o table_n of_o everlasting_a life_n at_o which_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n sit_v down_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n the_o israel_n of_o god_n be_v the_o capital_a expression_n of_o happiness_n but_o still_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o think_v the_o distinction_n of_o nation_n be_v not_o so_o lose_v but_o that_o the_o holy_a seed_n be_v as_o the_o substance_n of_o every_o nation_n in_o which_o it_o be_v for_o ever_o as_o it_o be_v by_o itself_o conserve_v a_o seed_n serve_v god_n in_o every_o age_n which_o be_v account_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o generation_n at_o that_o time_n and_o when_o god_n write_v down_o the_o people_n in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n he_o write_v they_o as_o under_o the_o head_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n this_o or_o that_o man_n be_v bear_v there_o although_o they_o be_v all_o enroll_v as_o citizen_n of_o that_o common_a city_n of_o zion_n the_o city_n of_o david_n from_o who_o our_o lord_n spring_v and_o though_o all_o christian_n be_v one_o holy_a nation_n yet_o it_o be_v say_v of_o some_o very_a glorious_a and_o happy_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o i_o will_v not_o undertake_v to_o determine_v that_o after_o the_o distinct_a seal_v of_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o each_o tribe_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o innumerable_a company_n not_o in_o a_o confusion_n but_o in_o a_o distinction_n so_o as_o to_o be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o all_o nation_n kindred_n people_n and_o tongue_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o they_o that_o be_v save_v be_v also_o mention_v in_o the_o same_o mystical_a book_n as_o keep_v under_o that_o distinction_n the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o his_o corinthian_n and_o thessalonian_o as_o certain_a he_o shall_v meet_v they_o under_o those_o very_a name_n at_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n he_o pray_v for_o israel_n as_o a_o nation_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v he_o discourse_v their_o fall_v away_o and_o recovery_n in_o a_o national_a way_n for_o many_o particular_a israelite_n be_v then_o call_v and_o save_v but_o not_o in_o a_o national_a way_n as_o he_o insist_o beside_o all_o these_o fair_a
&_o roman_n such_o as_o pythagoras_n socrates_n plato_n epicâ—etus_n cicero_n seneca_n nor_o as_o those_o of_o late_a date_n plutarch_n porphyry_n hierocles_n jamblicus_n but_o as_o that_o one_o sacrifice_n abolish_v the_o typical_a yet_o divine_o institute_v sacrifice_n much_o more_o those_o mock-sacrifice_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o now_o in_o the_o more_o famous_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o divine_a oracle_n and_o prophecy_n absolve_v and_o finish_v in_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n silence_v all_o those_o fallacious_a one_o from_o below_o so_o the_o resplendent_a light_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o the_o gospel-revelation_n since_o its_o prevalency_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o it_o be_v become_v the_o religion_n of_o nation_n seem_v to_o have_v dazzle_v natural_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o as_o in_o former_a age_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o barbarity_n have_v invade_v as_o a_o thick_a darkness_n the_o world_n out_o of_o the_o goshen_n of_o christianity_n while_o the_o jew_n trust_v to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n not_o 15._o 2_o cor._n 3._o 15._o yet_o unveil_v to_o they_o in_o its_o glory_n and_o further_o obscure_v by_o rabbinick_n dotage_n and_o mahometan_n to_o the_o spite-prophet_n and_o his_o senseless_a koran_n set_v up_o by_o satan_n and_o permit_v by_o divine_a justice_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o only_a true_a prophet_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o his_o everlasting_a gospel_n all_o beside_o these_o lie_v obscure_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o we_o in_o a_o manner_n like_o a_o terra_fw-la incognita_fw-la in_o reason_n and_o religion_n have_v only_o some_o relational_a glimpse_n no_o body_n of_o their_o discourse_n in_o either_o a_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o have_v draw_v up_o all_o rational_a religion_n reason_n and_o learn_v within_o itself_o and_o under_o its_o own_o horizon_n for_o though_o for_o a_o time_n it_o please_v god_n to_o allow_v the_o notable_a effort_n of_o that_o sort_n of_o learning_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o christianity_n one_o of_o his_o unsearchable_a judgement_n as_o in_o porphyry_n and_o hierocles_n yet_o be_v vanquish_v by_o the_o great_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n since_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n it_o have_v never_o rise_v in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n unchristianize_v to_o appear_v with_o any_o remarkable_a strength_n but_o all_o this_o do_v not_o diminish_v so_o much_o from_o natural_a religion_n as_o it_o bring_v it_o into_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v now_o such_o a_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o natural_a religion_n without_o christianity_n nay_o indeed_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o notwithstanding_o or_o even_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o great_a name_n i_o just_a now_o record_v who_o be_v but_o a_o sort_n of_o parelian_a light_n to_o the_o true_a light_n of_o natural_a religion_n whether_o there_o be_v ever_o such_o a_o true_a copy_n of_o it_o as_o that_o of_o the_o book_n of_o job_n in_o any_o man_n heart_n life_n or_o writing_n that_o be_v without_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a illumination_n and_o yet_o natural_a religion_n be_v never_o the_o less_o natural_a nor_o the_o less_o feel_v and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v so_o when_o beside_o such_o a_o proportion_n as_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o man_n not_o degenerate_a into_o beast_n be_v so_o preserve_v by_o god_n that_o he_o may_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n nor_o man_n without_o 17._o luk._n 15._o 17._o mean_n in_o order_n to_o their_o conversion_n and_o recovery_n when_o i_o say_v beside_o this_o god_n restore_v to_o any_o man_n or_o number_n of_o man_n the_o perfection_n of_o it_o by_o his_o word_n or_o by_o particular_a illumination_n of_o his_o mind_n it_o be_v not_o the_o less_o natural_a even_o as_o the_o prodigal_n self_n he_o come_v to_o be_v not_o the_o less_o natural_a self_n because_o he_o have_v be_v so_o long_o a_o fugitive_n from_o it_o and_o it_o become_v necessary_a to_o he_o to_o be_v so_o restore_v so_o no_o less_o be_v natural_a religion_n natural_a because_o it_o be_v return_v by_o revelation_n after_o be_v lose_v and_o this_o carry_v the_o great_a use_n indeed_o of_o natural_a religion_n that_o whether_o it_o be_v that_o part_n of_o it_o by_o general_a providence_n preserve_v to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n or_o by_o ordinary_a mean_n improve_v or_o whether_o by_o divine_a illumination_n and_o revelation_n it_o be_v give_v as_o it_o be_v anew_o yet_o we_o still_o find_v it_o natural_a and_o as_o it_o be_v our_o own_o proper_o belong_v to_o our_o nature_n and_o it_o come_v to_o we_o as_o by_o way_n of_o reminiscency_n of_o what_o we_o have_v once_o but_o have_v lose_v thus_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n 27._o psal_n 22._o 27._o shall_v remember_v and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o i_o have_v now_o state_v thing_n that_o which_o may_v seem_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v of_o natural_a religion_n will_v be_v more_o easy_o reconcile_v and_o it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o those_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n john_n first_o what_o he_o record_v in_o his_o gospel_n that_o our_o saviour_n say_v he_o that_o honour_v not_o the_o son_n honour_v not_o the_o father_n that_o 10._o joh._n 5._o 23._o 1_o joh._n 2._o 23._o 2_o joh._n 9_o 10._o send_v he_o and_o in_o his_o epistle_n whoever_o deni_v the_o son_n have_v not_o the_o father_n and_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n whoever_o transgress_v and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o god_n and_o if_o any_o man_n come_v and_o bring_v not_o this_o doctrine_n receive_v he_o not_o into_o your_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n for_o he_o that_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n be_v partaker_n of_o his_o evil_a deed_n by_o all_o these_o say_n lay_v together_o it_o seem_v undeniable_a that_o even_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o that_o first_o and_o great_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n the_o believe_v in_o and_o adore_v the_o one_o god_n be_v make_v of_o no_o value_n by_o not_o acknowledge_v honour_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n the_o son_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o the_o settle_n therefore_o this_o doubt_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o after_o due_a instruction_n and_o explanation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v as_o i_o have_v say_v so_o unite_v with_o natural_a religion_n that_o who_o ever_o have_v that_o in_o sincerity_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d set_v in_o a_o posture_n ready_a to_o receive_v and_o believe_v christianity_n so_o that_o if_o any_o one_o upon_o instruction_n commensurate_a to_o the_o understanding_n christian_n religion_n do_v not_o receive_v it_o he_o have_v not_o god_n he_o have_v not_o true_a natural_a religion_n in_o that_o fundamental_a point_n especial_o if_o he_o have_v have_v the_o 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christ_n retire_v into_o privacy_n yea_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o after_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n be_v only_o in_o christ_n must_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v exalt_v as_o be_v everywhere_o signify_v that_o it_o must_v be_v abate_v and_o bring_v low_o by_o the_o depression_n and_o fall_v down_o of_o the_o mosaic_a frame_n for_o than_o it_o be_v settle_v upon_o one_o of_o the_o principality_n of_o the_o world_n and_o though_o it_o be_v now_o more_o diffuse_v yet_o if_o it_o not_o only_o be_v not_o but_o aught_o upon_o its_o own_o principle_n to_o be_v establish_v in_o and_o upon_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o a_o nation_n it_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v have_v such_o a_o eminency_n as_o among_o the_o jew_n when_o it_o have_v the_o awfulness_n and_o majestickness_n of_o a_o kingdom_n devote_v to_o that_o true_a worship_n make_v it_o thereby_o of_o much_o great_a notice_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o religion_n may_v be_v national_a even_o as_o nation_n themselves_o be_v unite_v in_o a_o way_n of_o order_n so_o must_v national_a religion_n also_o be_v by_o order_n compose_v into_o its_o nationalness_n and_o this_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o right_a reason_n but_o let_v this_o be_v no_o pretence_n to_o that_o tyranny_n in_o christian_a religion_n that_o great_a usurpation_n of_o popery_n for_o it_o be_v a_o sacrilegious_a displace_v the_o honour_n from_o christ_n upon_o oftentimes_o a_o most_o unworthy_a mortal_n those_o prince_n than_o that_o be_v minores_fw-la coronae_fw-la that_o lessen_v themselves_o by_o give_v their_o kingdom_n and_o power_n to_o the_o beast_n must_v needs_o diminish_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n see_v they_o have_v so_o far_o strip_v themselves_o of_o their_o principality_n that_o they_o have_v they_o not_o to_o dedicate_v to_o christ_n the_o retain_v their_o honour_n unvouch_v unviolate_a by_o any_o creature_n and_o present_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n a_o supremacy_n unprostitute_v be_v the_o true_a glory_n do_v by_o christian_a prince_n to_o christianity_n 2._o if_o there_o be_v not_o the_o liberty_n allow_v to_o nation_n to_o espouse_v christianity_n to_o their_o government_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o honour_n to_o themselves_o of_o be_v religious_a and_o christian_n as_o nation_n the_o condition_n of_o nation_n be_v worse_a than_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n for_o now_o people_n as_o in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o nation_n may_v not_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o have_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o god_n they_o may_v not_o crown_v themselves_o with_o the_o chief_a glory_n of_o nation_n viz._n true_a religion_n moses_n we_o know_v often_o magnify_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o themselves_o in_o this_o particular_a viz._n the_o excellency_n of_o their_o religion_n he_o use_v it_o as_o a_o great_a argument_n that_o god_n love_v the_o nation_n he_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v their_o wisdom_n and_o honour_n before_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o who_o have_v reason_n to_o defer_v to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o wise_a nation_n a_o understand_a people_n that_o have_v such_o etc._n deut._n 4._o 8_o etc._n etc._n statute_n and_o judgement_n now_o see_v christian_a religion_n have_v the_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o wisdom_n truth_n and_o goodness_n not_o only_o so_o superior_a to_o all_o the_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n but_o much_o superior_a to_o that_o under_o administration_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n itself_o among_o the_o jew_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o nation_n to_o enfranchise_v it_o as_o the_o public_a national_a religion_n by_o the_o same_o authority_n whereby_o they_o make_v valid_a any_o other_o law_n or_o act_n so_o as_o to_o become_v the_o act_n of_o the_o public_a and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v those_o many_o expression_n of_o ephes_n 6._o eph._n 2._o 14._o c._n 3._o 6._o 2._o 14._o c._n 3._o 6._o break_v down_o the_o partition_n wall_n and_o admit_v all_o nation_n to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o body_n together_o be_v intend_v not_o only_o to_o signify_v that_o they_o may_v unite_v in_o lesser_a congregation_n but_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o national_a association_n else_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v into_o the_o same_o freedom_n and_o immunity_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v nor_o can_v egypt_n and_o assyria_n be_v so_o equal_a with_o israel_n that_o israel_n shall_v be_v but_o a_o three_o with_o they_o who_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n shall_v bless_v all_o alike_o with_o no_o more_o variation_n than_o egypt_n my_o people_n assyria_n the_o work_n of_o my_o hand_n and_o israel_n my_o inheritance_n isa_n 19_o we_o may_v find_v christianity_n intend_v to_o embrace_v all_o
evil_n nor_o find_v it_o so_o mix_v with_o the_o good_a as_o to_o admit_v of_o no_o separation_n and_o what_o be_v want_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v and_o command_v do_v not_o necessitate_v the_o total_a departure_n from_o that_o public_a worship_n when_o the_o very_a institution_n be_v not_o change_v by_o that_o want_n for_o the_o true_a christian_a may_v make_v up_o that_o want_n in_o privater_a duty_n thus_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n speak_v often_o to_o 16._o mal._n 3._o 16._o one_o another_o without_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o free_a use_n grant_v by_o christ_n of_o all_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o a_o freedom_n on_o each_o side_n to_o do_v oâ—_n not_o to_o do_v where_o no_o moral_a evil_n adhere_v or_o disobedience_n to_o some_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n attend_v either_o part_n if_o then_o religion_n be_v not_o draw_v out_o of_o those_o necessary_a thing_n wherein_o divine_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n have_v place_v it_o and_o tradition_n thereupon_o become_v doctrine_n which_o constant_o carry_v along_o a_o reject_v the_o command_n of_o god_n or_o a_o low_a esteem_n of_o they_o for_o those_o tradition_n sake_n if_o there_o be_v no_o moral_a evil_n or_o indecency_n nor_o that_o a_o too_o great_a cumber_v be_v draw_v upon_o religious_a act_n every_o thing_n be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n leave_v to_o its_o own_o indifferency_n as_o reason_n invite_v or_o persuade_v on_o either_o side_n to_o the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v all_o which_o set_v man_n free_a from_o a_o jewish_a yoke_n in_o these_o case_n and_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a liberty_n eat_v or_o not_o eat_v keep_v a_o day_n or_o not_o keep_v it_o buy_v in_o a_o market_n and_o go_v to_o a_o feast_n without_o ask_v any_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n without_o fear_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o moral_a defilement_n in_o those_o thing_n that_o other_o man_n sin_n defile_v only_o to_o themselves_o if_o we_o keep_v ourselves_o pure_a be_v plain_o the_o liberty_n christ_n have_v publish_v to_o we_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v pure_a and_o not_o to_o be_v reject_v but_o receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n no_o sin_n of_o man_n can_v pollute_v it_o to_o any_o but_o himself_o and_o this_o consideration_n may_v state_n to_o we_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o relate_v to_o order_n and_o decency_n that_o order_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o nature_n itself_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v write_v with_o a_o sunbeam_n upon_o thing_n themselves_o be_v out_o of_o all_o dispute_n god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o not_o of_o the_o contrary_a confusion_n or_o indecency_n that_o order_n which_o be_v the_o prudential_a contrivance_n of_o man_n though_o not_o the_o same_o in_o all_o place_n time_n and_o to_o all_o person_n as_o the_o former_a yet_o aught_o to_o be_v cheerful_o comply_v with_o as_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o national_a union_n in_o and_o administration_n of_o public_a religion_n both_o as_o to_o officer_n and_o thing_n see_v nothing_o can_v be_v settle_v without_o order_n according_o we_o find_v the_o wise_a and_o pious_a governor_n among_o the_o jew_n take_v care_n and_o the_o people_n submit_v to_o such_o ordination_n and_o all_o under_o divine_a approbation_n the_o order_n that_o be_v mere_o of_o humane_a position_n and_o arbitration_n move_v the_o great_a doubt_n stand_v in_o thing_n that_o have_v only_o the_o thin_a pretext_n of_o antiquity_n to_o give_v they_o some_o venerableness_n or_o that_o they_o be_v usage_n already_o in_o be_v or_o that_o they_o add_v the_o imaginary_a decency_n that_o ceremony_n set_v out_o humane_a action_n with_o now_o as_o to_o this_o they_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o impose_v be_v equal_o to_o weigh_v the_o value_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o what_o that_o may_v suffer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o order_n and_o a_o great_a account_n lie_v upon_o they_o before_o god_n but_o for_o those_o that_o be_v under_o subjection_n i_o add_v further_o as_o to_o this_o sort_n of_o order_n i_o can_v only_o say_v this_o that_o suppose_v it_o no_o way_n turn_v into_o doctrine_n as_o the_o pharisees_n not_o eat_v with_o unwashen_n hand_n but_o declare_v against_o as_o such_o the_o consequence_n of_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v be_v to_o be_v balance_v and_o so_o the_o practice_n of_o every_o conscientious_a man_n to_o be_v determine_v on_o one_o side_n stand_v the_o freedom_n of_o use_v this_o order_n as_o a_o advantage_n to_o do_v good_a the_o consideration_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o nation_n the_o national_a defence_n make_v more_o unite_v against_o false_a religion_n at_o the_o price_n of_o conformity_n to_o those_o more_o arbitrary_a imposition_n on_o the_o other_o side_n stand_v a_o just_a fear_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v either_o obscure_a or_o the_o freedom_n of_o it_o encumber_a or_o for_o the_o reputation_n of_o religion_n which_o often_o suffer_v by_o those_o unnecessary_a adherency_n as_o if_o they_o enter_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n itself_o i_o must_v yet_o allow_v the_o preference_n in_o my_o own_o judgement_n to_o that_o side_n by_o which_o national_a religion_n be_v most_o serve_v but_o with_o the_o full_a persuasion_n that_o god_n receive_v both_o if_o over-bit_a zeal_n on_o either_o side_n be_v not_o offensive_a to_o he_o and_o with_o the_o concession_n that_o national_a religion_n be_v more_o happy_a if_o more_o free_a but_o if_o love_v adjust_a to_o each_o their_o due_a allowance_n the_o service_n of_o both_o will_v be_v find_v with_o great_a acceptance_n in_o the_o common_a national_a religion_n as_o i_o doubt_v not_o their_o hand_n will_v be_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o against_o the_o invasion_n of_o a_o national_a false_a religion_n but_o if_o any_o be_v overrigid_a or_o severe_a on_o either_o part_n they_o may_v receive_v the_o full_a reward_n of_o their_o own_o society_n or_o party_n but_o they_o lessen_v the_o high_a recompense_n of_o do_v the_o most_o public_a good_a the_o strict_a law_n either_o this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o man_n own_o make_n and_o exact_v so_o from_o they_o only_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n who_o be_v zealous_a beyond_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o matter_n from_o all_o that_o have_v now_o be_v say_v under_o this_o rule_n i_o collect_v 1._o that_o they_o that_o can_v agree_v to_o the_o public_o encourage_v constitution_n of_o a_o nation_n shall_v yet_o point_v their_o worship_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v towards_o it_o they_o shall_v comply_v with_o all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o it_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v be_v receive_v without_o launch_v beyond_o their_o judgement_n thus_o christianity_n be_v make_v as_o public_a in_o all_o place_n by_o the_o apostle_n as_o they_o can_v by_o adjoin_v it_o to_o any_o principle_n of_o truth_n or_o to_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o religion_n they_o find_v any_o where_o st._n paul_n give_v solemn_a thanks_o to_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o that_o sail_v with_o he_o though_o a_o bad_a sort_n of_o man_n thus_o he_o preach_v the_o true_a god_n and_o christ_n at_o atkens_n upon_o their_o inscription_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n upon_o the_o fundamental_o of_o national_a theology_n upon_o the_o wise_a say_n of_o a_o poet_n of_o their_o own_o he_o think_v it_o best_a to_o acknowledge_v all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o the_o most_o faulty_a state_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o advantage_n to_o convince_v what_o be_v bad_a and_o disagree_v to_o that_o good_a and_o gain_v man_n to_o unite_v with_o that_o whole_a element_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n with_o which_o any_o spark_n kindle_v in_o they_o already_o be_v so_o close_o ally_v as_o to_o gain_v they_o to_o the_o whole_a how_o much_o near_o then_o and_o close_o may_v christian_n and_o of_o the_o reform_a christianity_n fall_v in_o one_o with_o another_o if_o we_o value_v what_o we_o agree_v in_o at_o a_o high_a rate_n as_o certain_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v than_o what_o we_o differ_v about_o 2._o the_o way_n to_o make_v national_a religion_n most_o national_a be_v by_o comprehend_v all_o the_o difference_n that_o can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o true_a religion_n while_o they_o that_o dissent_v in_o some_o thing_n receive_v one_o another_o with_o a_o good_a peaceable_a holy_a and_o public_a temper_n of_o mind_n as_o the_o great_a argument_n and_o inducement_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v all_o pray_v for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o holy_a service_n of_o all_o that_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n distinguish_v christian_n but_o immediate_o unite_v they_o again_o both_v they_o and_o we_o they_o and_o
to_o be_v as_o a_o lamp_n despise_v he_o deserve_v great_a tenderness_n and_o compassion_n as_o i_o shall_v more_o full_o have_v occasion_n to_o observe_v under_o the_o second_o head_n viz._n scandal_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o which_o i_o now_o proceed_v and_o i_o be_o here_o to_o undertake_v a_o particular_a and_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o scandal_n as_o it_o have_v a_o most_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o those_o so_o famous_a debate_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v indifferent_a thing_n rom._n 14._o 1_o cor._n 8._o &_o 10._o when_o they_o can_v any_o way_n be_v suppose_v to_o relate_v to_o god_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o religion_n or_o have_v a_o presence_n how_o circumstantial_a soever_o in_o divine_a worship_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o undertake_n i_o must_v remove_v two_o prejudices_fw-la 1._o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v scandal_n in_o these_o case_n have_v be_v indeed_o make_v trivial_a by_o some_o man_n injudicious_a zeal_n and_o ignorant_a deal_n with_o the_o apostle_n sense_n herein_o who_o have_v a_o crude_a conception_n of_o scandal_n from_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o most_o formidable_a evil_n both_o in_o he_o that_o give_v it_o or_o take_v it_o have_v therefore_o call_v every_o thing_n scandal_n that_o displease_v they_o and_o mean_v nothing_o by_o be_v scandalize_v but_o that_o they_o have_v great_o dislike_v such_o or_o such_o thing_n without_o any_o other_o hazard_n of_o fall_v into_o sin_n than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v from_o their_o indiscreet_a anger_n and_o too_o often_o over-passionate_a inflammation_n whence_o have_v rise_v this_o scandal_n dangerous_a enough_o that_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o scandal_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n except_o what_o unknowing_a zeal_n in_o a_o ferment_n create_v or_o at_o least_o have_v not_o take_v into_o their_o thought_n this_o kind_n of_o true_a scripture_n scandal_n or_o entertain_v a_o just_a fear_n of_o run_v into_o it_o or_o ensnare_a other_o in_o it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o that_o due_o weigh_v that_o the_o apostle_n proceed_v upon_o much_o deep_a and_o more_o grave_a consideration_n 2._o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o fear_n of_o scandal_n or_o scandalize_a have_v be_v blow_v off_o by_o some_o upon_o this_o mistake_n that_o man_n can_v be_v in_o no_o danger_n to_o be_v scandalize_v who_o keep_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v draw_v by_o example_n into_o any_o thing_n they_o dislike_v and_o be_v sufficient_o angry_a at_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o such_o they_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a bar_n to_o they_o against_o scandal_n and_o against_o any_o one_o being_n guilty_a as_o a_o author_n of_o scandal_n to_o they_o how_o hardly_o soever_o they_o press_v upon_o they_o while_o they_o profess_v so_o loud_o their_o dissent_n they_o must_v not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v scandal_n without_o the_o imputation_n of_o gross_a ignorance_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v just_o apprehend_v a_o man_n may_v be_v he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v though_o it_o find_v no_o place_n in_o he_o against_o who_o it_o come_v as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v and_o further_o though_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o these_o two_o instance_n fix_v chief_o upon_o that_o sort_n of_o scandal_n within_o which_o man_n be_v draw_v by_o follow_a example_n against_o their_o inward_a sentiment_n yet_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n scandal_n be_v to_o be_v suspect_v to_o have_v much_o large_a compass_n even_o in_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n and_o lie_v far_o off_o from_o man_n doubtful_a comply_v in_o what_o they_o have_v example_n or_o command_n for_o than_o that_o such_o compliance_n shall_v be_v the_o only_a measure_n of_o scandal_n therein_o and_o even_o in_o those_o that_o do_v comply_v with_o free_a mind_n there_o be_v more_o secret_a path_n and_o track_n wherein_o scandal_n be_v lay_v than_o they_o general_o and_o open_o make_v complaint_n of_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o inward_a doubt_n but_o upon_o other_o account_n also_o i_o shall_v therefore_o lay_v down_o these_o two_o preparatory_n to_o make_v these_o discourse_n of_o the_o apostle_n more_o concern_v to_o we_o 1._o that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v assure_v they_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o denunciation_n of_o woe_n by_o our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o world_n because_o of_o scandal_n upon_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v by_o way_n of_o transcendency_n and_o his_o admonition_n to_o all_o that_o scandal_n must_v needs_o come_v for_o the_o same_o divine_a spirit_n of_o truth_n descend_v from_o the_o master_n upon_o the_o minister_n and_o frame_v like_o apprehension_n in_o he_o when_o he_o speak_v afterward_o of_o the_o same_o point_n nay_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o latter_a discourse_n look_v back_o upon_o the_o former_a because_o it_o be_v undoubted_o well_o know_v to_o christian_n then_o and_o much_o more_o to_o the_o apostle_n who_o beside_o that_o he_o have_v immediate_a revelation_n most_o probable_o from_o the_o lord_n even_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n give_v proof_n he_o have_v a_o very_a peculiar_a care_n to_o know_v all_o he_o have_v speak_v and_o a_o singular_a respect_n to_o it_o for_o he_o express_o quote_v our_o saviour_n in_o those_o immediate_a revelation_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 23._o in_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o evangelist_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o divorce_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 10._o and_o last_o in_o what_o he_o have_v attain_v as_o well_o testify_v though_o not_o record_v as_o in_o that_o act_n 20._o 35._o remember_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v it_o be_v not_o therefore_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v in_o such_o discourse_n of_o scandal_n as_o these_o he_o neglect_v so_o solemn_a a_o one_o as_o our_o lord_n upon_o it_o the_o little_a one_o in_o the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o weak_a brethren_n in_o the_o apostle_n the_o woe_n in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o other_o grieve_v wound_a weak_a christian_n stumble_v fall_a perish_a and_o be_v destroy_v be_v of_o near_a affinity_n in_o their_o sense_n and_o those_o even_a abjuration_n of_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n it_o be_v good_a neither_o to_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o drink_v wine_n nor_o any_o thing_n whereby_o thy_o brother_n 21._o rom._n 14._o 21._o stumble_v or_o be_v offend_v or_o be_v make_v weak_a if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v 13._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o lest_o i_o make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v my_o brother_n these_o so_o solemn_a renunciation_n of_o scandal_n be_v not_o far_o off_o from_o our_o saviour_n woe_n upon_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v and_o that_o great_a aphorism_n happy_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o 22._o rom._n 14._o 22._o in_o that_o thing_n which_o he_o allow_v be_v ground_v upon_o that_o scandal_n must_v needs_o come_v they_o force_v a_o entry_n at_o every_o the_o least_o advantage_n and_o therefore_o happy_a be_v he_o that_o can_v preclude_v they_o 2._o that_o see_v the_o instance_n of_o scandal_n the_o apostle_n debate_v upon_o viz._n the_o jewish_a distinction_n of_o meat_n and_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n be_v of_o a_o narrow_a and_o particular_a nature_n and_o of_o a_o daily_a decrease_a occurrence_n the_o apostle_n so_o laborious_a and_o industrious_a handle_v they_o be_v preserve_v in_o sacred_a record_n and_o transmit_v down_o to_o after_o age_n argue_v he_o or_o rather_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o he_o design_v to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o late_a posterity_n of_o christian_n the_o great_a play_n scope_n and_o force_v of_o scandal_n in_o these_o indifferency_n and_o in_o all_o case_n wherein_o they_o may_v fall_v out_o to_o be_v scandal_n though_o not_o after_o the_o similitude_n of_o these_o the_o danger_n of_o scandalize_a or_o be_v scandalize_v have_v thus_o far_o premise_v i_o come_v now_o close_o up_o to_o these_o apostolic_a debate_n themselves_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o platform_n with_o all_o possible_a brevity_n and_o conciseness_n as_o may_v comprehend_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n upon_o these_o two_o case_n and_o then_o balance_v with_o it_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o indifferent_n as_o they_o come_v into_o such_o a_o account_n of_o religion_n as_o i_o have_v before_o suppose_v the_o platform_n i_o lay_v down_o in_o these_o part_n of_o it_o all_o draw_v out_o of_o these_o debate_n 1._o the_o state_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o indifferent_n in_o relation_n to_o god_n 2._o the_o way_n how_o scandal_n invade_v indifferent_a thing_n when_o come_v into_o such_o a_o relation_n 3._o the_o several_a way_n of_o
two_o case_n to_o be_v the_o expedient_a against_o scandal_n he_o therefore_o persuade_v the_o not_o eat_v upon_o these_o contingency_n as_o by_o the_o by_o which_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a performance_n for_o christian_a charity_n but_o the_o thing_n he_o be_v whole_o intent_n upon_o be_v that_o great_a doctrine_n of_o not_o scandalize_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n these_o circumstance_n easy_o vanish_v the_o main_a point_n remain_v unmoved_a they_o be_v only_o a_o scheme_n a_o momentany_a and_o transitory_a one_o to_o display_v this_o great_a doctrine_n in_o and_o to_o present_v it_o upon_o when_o these_o thing_n grow_v into_o a_o ritual_a religion_n the_o scheme_n be_v alter_v and_o shift_v they_o grow_v sinful_a and_o be_v condemn_v the_o doctrine_n stand_v yet_o and_o for_o ever_o stand_v firm_a plant_v upon_o they_o object_n 4._o the_o rite_n use_v be_v such_o as_o be_v recommend_v from_o antiquity_n and_o be_v of_o use_n of_o old_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n answ_n allow_v it_o to_o be_v so_o all_o that_o can_v be_v collect_v from_o thence_o be_v but_o example_n wound_v up_o to_o its_o high_a peg_n when_o it_o do_v not_o reach_n christ_n and_o whenever_o it_o do_v not_o reach_v he_o it_o do_v not_o bind_v be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o as_o i_o 1._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 1._o be_o of_o christ_n say_v the_o apostle_n just_a about_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ordinance_n or_o tradition_n those_o concurrence_n all_o every_o where_o always_o must_v begin_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v find_v there_o else_o they_o do_v but_o oblige_v our_o prudence_n not_o our_o conscience_n only_o so_o far_o as_o antiquity_n or_o the_o primitive_a church_n inable_v we_o to_o see_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o determination_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n in_o any_o case_n so_o far_o it_o oblige_v we_o in_o conscience_n all_o else_o be_v but_o the_o deference_n of_o modesty_n and_o due_a regard_n which_o can_v weigh_v against_o scandal_n except_o we_o make_v the_o oracle_n of_o antiquity_n equal_a to_o the_o heavenly_a oracle_n and_o then_o we_o must_v demand_v the_o same_o certainty_n of_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o or_o else_o we_o may_v quick_o run_v into_o the_o great_a of_o scandal_n object_n 5._o the_o command_v of_o lawful_a authority_n take_v away_o the_o indifferency_n and_o make_v necessary_a what_o be_v before_o indifferent_a answ_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o all_o thing_n indifferent_a for_o that_o be_v ready_o grant_v if_o in_o all_o circumstance_n they_o be_v indifferent_a nor_o whether_o rite_n be_v indifferent_a thing_n for_o that_o be_v also_o suppose_a to_o be_v grant_v but_o the_o question_n must_v be_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o give_v or_o receive_v scandal_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n see_v that_o may_v indisputable_o fall_v out_o or_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o in_o one_o sort_n of_o indifferent_n as_o well_o as_o other_o else_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n will_v be_v ineffectual_a to_o any_o the_o like_a case_n see_v then_o the_o tribunal_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v high_a than_o of_o any_o of_o the_o supream_n of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o scandal_n be_v cognisable_v only_o before_o he_o and_o that_o whatever_o incur_v sandal_n be_v inseparable_a from_o sin_n against_o god_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o doubt_n from_o which_o a_o man_n can_v acquit_v himself_o he_o can_v obey_v man_n in_o that_o without_o disobey_v god_n who_o have_v declare_v to_o he_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o he_o that_o doubt_v and_o do_v what_o he_o doubt_v of_o be_v damn_v that_o be_v condemn_v within_o himself_o and_o in_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o reason_n in_o such_o a_o case_n must_v be_v the_o same_o as_o in_o a_o case_n of_o obey_v magistrate_n against_o any_o express_a divine_a prohibition_n for_o though_o the_o thing_n doubt_v of_o do_v much_o differ_v if_o it_o be_v indeed_o indifferent_a yet_o the_o prohibition_n be_v as_o plain_a against_o do_v what_o be_v doubt_v of_o and_o what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n as_o in_o any_o case_n see_v then_o all_o humane_a authority_n must_v lower_v its_o top_n to_o divine_a i_o can_v see_v but_o that_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v god_n peculiar_a for_o we_o speak_v only_o of_o that_o the_o magistrate_n power_n be_v exclude_v in_o case_n of_o real_a doubt_n of_o conscience_n in_o which_o a_o man_n can_v do_v nothing_o but_o he_o run_v into_o god_n danger_n even_o as_o in_o any_o other_o case_n of_o such_o danger_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n and_o what_o be_v offer_v in_o relief_n will_v not_o avail_v viz._n that_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v certain_o a_o duty_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o disobedience_n to_o god_n about_o such_o or_o such_o indifferent_n be_v in_o doubt_n and_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v indeed_o indifferent_a it_o be_v a_o doubt_n upon_o mistake_n and_o then_o there_o be_v a_o disobedience_n to_o god_n in_o a_o undoubted_a rule_n and_o command_v to_o avoid_v it_o in_o a_o case_n not_o only_o of_o doubt_n but_o of_o mistake_n this_o i_o say_v can_v avail_v because_o the_o measure_n be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v betwixt_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n or_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o betwixt_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n and_o obedience_n to_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o all_o case_n of_o doubt_n which_o be_v as_o clear_v and_o as_o little_a subject_n to_o doubt_v as_o any_o rule_n whatever_o yet_o do_v not_o this_o evacuate_v the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n it_o be_v restrain_v to_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o religion_n and_o in_o doubt_n and_o the_o doubt_v fix_v upon_o a_o grand_a principle_n of_o truth_n nor_o be_v that_o of_o great_a satisfaction_n that_o in_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n there_o be_v so_o many_o degree_n of_o good_a and_o so_o many_o of_o evil_n in_o the_o disobedience_n but_o in_o do_v well_o or_o ill_o concern_v indifferent_n there_o be_v much_o few_o degree_n both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a therefore_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o so_o great_a a_o morality_n as_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v always_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o our_o do_v well_o in_o indifferent_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o evil_a in_o one_o to_o be_v avoid_v much_o rather_o than_o the_o same_o fear_n in_o the_o other_o the_o reason_n of_o dissatisfaction_n be_v this_o that_o the_o measure_n be_v not_o betwixt_o the_o morality_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o obey_v magistrate_n and_o do_v well_o or_o ill_o about_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o betwixt_o the_o morality_n of_o obey_v god_n in_o one_o of_o his_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a precept_n and_o in_o another_o of_o the_o same_o evidence_n and_o clearness_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o of_o the_o same_o rate_n of_o morality_n see_v obedience_n to_o god_n be_v the_o fundamental_a morality_n if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o the_o magistrate_n prohibition_n of_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n must_v exempt_v from_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o those_o duty_n because_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v a_o moral_a duty_n but_o the_o other_o ceremonial_a but_o it_o be_v out_o of_o measure_n certain_a obedience_n to_o god_n be_v both_o the_o top_n and_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o morality_n and_o although_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v a_o great_a point_n of_o morality_n yet_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v so_o before_o it_o as_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o beside_o if_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v to_o be_v value_v not_o by_o his_o authority_n but_o by_o weigh_v the_o precept_n themselves_o much_o more_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v estimate_v by_o the_o command_v they_o give_v of_o which_o indifferent_n in_o religion_n will_v never_o be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v the_o test_n either_o of_o their_o authority_n or_o our_o obedience_n whatever_o unthinking_a man_n have_v say_v therein_o indeed_o among_o the_o divine_a command_n god_n have_v choose_v mercy_n rather_o than_o sacrifice_n honour_v parent_n rather_o than_o corban_n but_o it_o be_v because_o he_o have_v so_o declare_v in_o his_o word_n and_o in_o man_n conscience_n but_o all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v harmonious_o conspire_v and_o subordinate_a themselves_o one_o to_o another_o among_o which_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n and_o preserve_v the_o government_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o nor_o of_o any_o contest_v or_o distance_n of_o unkindness_n between_o themselves_o whoso_o
interpreter_n be_v immediate_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o give_v such_o a_o interpretation_n that_o else_o can_v not_o be_v find_v by_o any_o create_a sagacity_n or_o industry_n in_o such_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n either_o from_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n the_o strength_n of_o the_o context_n or_o scope_n or_o in_o the_o analogy_n of_o scripture_n compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a quest_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v motive_n of_o credibility_n in_o so_o great_a a_o case_n answ_n the_o divine_a sense_n of_o a_o interpretation_n agreeable_a with_o all_o those_o so_o self-evident_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o all_o goodness_n the_o weight_n and_o gravity_n of_o the_o matter_n the_o authoritativeness_n of_o scripture_n language_n and_o elocution_n miracle_n agreement_n with_o all_o former_a scripture_n awe_v upon_o the_o conscience_n inward_a illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o its_o sanctify_a and_o heavenly_a influence_n breathe_v in_o it_o and_o with_o it_o these_o be_v a_o divine_a and_o public_a presence_n and_o absolute_o constitute_v further_o scripture_n even_o as_o they_o illustrate_v and_o put_v a_o great_a splendour_n upon_o former_a scripture_n and_o complete_a it_o quest_n who_o be_v such_o interpreter_n of_o former_a scripture_n answ_n the_o prophet_n be_v such_o interpreter_n upon_o the_o law_n in_o their_o time_n even_o all_o that_o write_v after_o moses_n who_o either_o by_o history_n compile_v by_o such_o divine_a inspiration_n give_v example_n agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o law_n or_o by_o sermon_n stir_v up_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o it_o and_o reprove_v the_o disobedience_n or_o by_o divine_a meditation_n discourse_n and_o hymn_n display_v it_o or_o by_o prophecy_n foretell_v the_o government_n of_o god_n in_o his_o church_n and_o in_o the_o world_n according_a to_o it_o but_o especial_o accommodate_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o under_o prophetic_a veil_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o state_n of_o true_a religion_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o the_o prophet_n from_o samuel_n and_o all_o that_o follow_v after_o as_o many_o as_o have_v speak_v foretell_v likewise_o of_o these_o day_n all_o which_o together_o fill_v up_o whole_o the_o space_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n quest_n how_o do_v the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o succeed_v in_o this_o great_a office_n of_o expound_v and_o sum_v up_o scripture_n in_o this_o public_a divine_a authority_n answ_n they_o be_v above_o all_o that_o go_v before_o they_o for_o john_n the_o baptist_n than_o who_o a_o great_a prophet_n among_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o woman_n have_v not_o rise_v yet_o he_o that_o be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o more_o explain_v state_n of_o christianity_n be_v great_a than_o he_o quest_n how_o be_v this_o notion_n of_o public_a interpretation_n contradistinguish_v to_o private_a make_v good_a out_o of_o scripture_n itself_o answ_n from_o the_o apostle_n peter_n who_o express_o tell_v we_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n who_o sense_n in_o that_o place_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o be_v pursue_v both_o as_o it_o much_o clear_v the_o nature_n of_o private_a interpretation_n and_o also_o strengthen_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o lay_v in_o the_o old_a quest_n but_o you_o know_v the_o original_a word_n there_o use_v and_o translate_v interpretation_n be_v by_o some_o understand_v for_o no_o more_o than_o the_o prophetic_a declaration_n or_o interpret_n the_o mind_n of_o god_n reveal_v by_o inspiration_n and_o by_o very_a many_o another_o word_n signify_v inspiration_n itself_o oâ—_n the_o illapse_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n in_o those_o prophetic_a revelation_n be_v prefer_v to_o the_o word_n translate_v interpretation_n as_o the_o more_o genuine_a read_n answ_n i_o know_v the_o current_n of_o expositor_n both_o the_o way_n you_o mention_n but_o against_o they_o both_o there_o be_v this_o great_a reason_n no_o other_o but_o interpretation_n and_o that_o strict_o take_v will_v fit_v the_o apostle_n purpose_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o apostle_n purpose_v answ_n to_o assure_v the_o jewish_a christian_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n out_o of_o that_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n quest_n be_v it_o not_o then_o to_o the_o purpose_n to_o assure_v the_o divine_a original_a of_o that_o word_n of_o prophecy_n and_o to_o assert_v its_o immediate_a descent_n from_o the_o public_a holy_a spirit_n answ_n that_o indeed_o be_v necessary_o suppose_v and_o include_v or_o rather_o conclude_v on_o all_o hand_n but_o not_o the_o close_a point_n in_o discourse_n for_o the_o sacredness_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v agree_v both_o by_o jew_n and_o christian_n the_o apostle_n commend_v the_o give_v heed_n to_o it_o as_o to_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n a_o great_a lamp_n shine_v when_o all_o be_v dark_a and_o deep_a night_n about_o till_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n daw_v and_o christ_n the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o precise_a mark_v the_o apostle_n be_v to_o aim_v at_o answ_n to_o vindicate_v the_o true_a way_n of_o interpret_n this_o sure_a word_n of_o prophefie_n quest_n why_o be_v this_o so_o much_o to_o his_o purpose_n answ_n because_o the_o whole_a stream_n of_o interpretation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n among_o the_o jew_n run_v against_o christianity_n quest_n whence_o come_v this_o current_n of_o false_a interpretation_n answ_n even_o from_o whence_o interpretation_n may_v seem_v least_o of_o all_o to_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o private_a from_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n doctor_n of_o the_o law_n elder_n of_o the_o people_n who_o vogue_v themselves_o the_o public_a and_o so_o proprietor_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o 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scope_n for_o modest_a suspension_n and_o even_o dissent_v without_o imputation_n of_o schism_n for_o truth_n of_o magnitude_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n practice_n or_o discipline_n be_v too_o bright_a to_o be_v refuse_v by_o sincere_a and_o honest_a mind_n after_o due_a admonition_n quest_n wherein_o lie_v then_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o schism_n answ_n that_o schism_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o may_v better_o be_v understand_v i_o will_v set_v before_o you_o the_o several_a instance_n of_o schism_n in_o scripture_n and_o the_o evil_n note_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o each_o of_o they_o 1._o the_o first_o sort_n of_o schism_n be_v the_o disunion_n in_o the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o bring_v in_o upon_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o judaique_a rite_n to_o concur_v with_o it_o this_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n rom._n 16._o 17._o call_n make_v division_n or_o party_n beside_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n receive_v the_o great_a evil_n 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of_o schism_n the_o apostle_n note_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 19_o 20._o be_v the_o disorder_n in_o divine-worship_n in_o that_o great_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n wherein_o they_o that_o be_v reprove_v be_v necessitate_v to_o withdraw_v and_o to_o stand_v apart_o for_o the_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o that_o worship_n and_o service_n for_o the_o very_a honour_n of_o it_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o schism_n be_v that_o it_o bring_v in_o a_o necessity_n of_o divide_a party_n in_o public_a religion_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o see_v good_a man_n must_v separate_v from_o such_o corruption_n and_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o they_o on_o account_n of_o which_o religion_n itself_o be_v dishonour_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o jumble_v of_o sect_n and_o give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n and_o further_o than_o that_o be_v charge_v as_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o sect_n itself_o because_o it_o stand_v by_o itself_o thus_o christianity_n be_v call_v this_o sect_n 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themselves_o thus_o vain_a philosophy_n parcele_v out_o itself_o under_o its_o great_a master_n the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o be_v that_o it_o raise_v feud_n contention_n and_o faction_n as_o if_o this_o one_o integral_a christianity_n can_v have_v distinct_a interest_n and_o some_o engross_v one_o interest_n other_o another_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n thus_o reduce_v this_o schism_n all_o minister_n say_v he_o with_o all_o their_o gift_n grace_n and_o function_n be_v the_o whole_a church_n without_o any_o canton_v other_o than_o that_o order_n and_o conveniency_n require_v the_o more_o constant_a administration_n of_o religion_n in_o certain_a congregation_n with_o their_o elder_n cephas_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n be_v the_o corinthian_n though_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n paul_n himself_o and_o not_o only_o the_o church_n minister_n â—ut_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o cargo_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n in_o it_o be_v the_o 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